CourtoftheCrimsonKeith wrote:I really wish Downes would play with too. It only seems right being as Jon wont be there.I'm very happy about this though. I definitely wouldn't go see this lineup if Asia wasn't with them.

I think although the 'idea' of this sounds great, the reality is likely to disappoint. The strain of covering both sets for Steve (not that he hasnt got the energy, but he's only human) will mean that both bands will play quite short sets, compared to what fans expect of both.

& to be honest, I'm not really sure about the wisdom of Asia's short 'pop' prog format songs, set in contrast to Yes' more expansive work.

If it comes to the UK, I'll probably go, but I think this maybe more geared to US audiences.

& will it lead to 'sparks' & tensions between the bands...? Only time will tell (no pun intended! ho ho)

Do you prefer the other Asia line up then, Keith? (dont worry, your in safe company!)

Other Asia lineup meaning Asia w/ John Payne?
I've only ever listened to the original lineup. A pop band like Asia wouldn't really appeal to me if it wasn't made up of progressive rock legends like the original!

They're not coming to Nashville this time, so it's a non-issue for me.

As to Asia, I've never been overly fond of the "original" pop-oriented lineup. It was a big disappointment to me to have all these prog giants create a pop band. As pop goes, it's good pop, but I actually prefer the later Payne/Govan lineup - they did more "proggy" stuff, IMO . . .

tardistraveler wrote:They're not coming to Nashville this time, so it's a non-issue for me.

As to Asia, I've never been overly fond of the "original" pop-oriented lineup. It was a big disappointment to me to have all these prog giants create a pop band. As pop goes, it's good pop, but I actually prefer the later Payne/Govan lineup - they did more "proggy" stuff, IMO . . .

The only thing I heard of those was the track they promoted Silent Nation with on a cover-mounted promotional CD of contemporary 'prog' tracks. I felt it was easily the worst track on the CD. Not overly progressive [or even 'proggy'] banal, obvious and unimaginative.

I saw the original Asia this last Saturday [I'll write a full review later in the week if I get time and post some of the pictures I took]. They were and are 'power-pop' and aside from the fact that the tunes were very catchy and well crafted, for me the great appeal is in the arrangements - the musical 'finish' if you will. That's down to the fact that with Howe and Palmer you have two [at the very least] world class musicians. That hasn't changed - the format is fairly simple and the lyrics are still on the whole, excruciatingly awful.

Asia do at present perform a selection of tacks from each member's history - and do it pretty well. I imagine a combined tour would drop these in favour of original material in a shortened set. I'd miss their storming version of Fanfare for the Common Man, but little else.

I just purchased my ticket for the Glen Allen, VA concert on July 22nd. ‎

That's the closest they're coming to South Carolina... and I sure want to see them.

[size=100]I'm not really looking forward to the five and a half hour drive up there .... but, it'll be worth it. [/size]

On more than one occasion I drove from VA Beach, VA to Boston MA to see them - 10 hours each way. And, it was WELL worth it!

That being said, without Jon? Don't know that I'd do it.

Here's hoping I can afford it this year... right now, I'm facing a lay-off and I haven't gotten a concrete offer for a new position as yet. If finances DO allow, though, I'll be at that Glen Allen show as well!

Tomfoolery wrote:On more than one occasion I drove from VA Beach, VA to Boston MA to see them - 10 hours each way. And, it was WELL worth it!

That being said, without Jon? Don't know that I'd do it.

Here's hoping I can afford it this year... right now, I'm facing a lay-off and I haven't gotten a concrete offer for a new position as yet. If finances DO allow, though, I'll be at that Glen Allen show as well!

Hey Dean,

Hope that the lay-off doesn't materilaise or that, if it does, you find something quickly. So many people I know are getting caught up in the downturn. I wish the best to everyone - myself included as our firm's not escaped the global financial crisis either.

it's a curious 'gamble' by promoters.. they clearly think that a 'double header' by these old acts will attract a bigger audience than either on their own (& they maybe right) but many die hard fans would rather 2 hours + of each on their own..

I know I would..

I'd 'prepared' to see HWS+2, but the more time goes by & the more active Jon becomes (Facebook, Twitter) the more I realise what a 'miss' he will be in the Yes line up. No disrespect fo Benoit, I'm sure he does a good job, but he is 'the understudy' ..

Hope that the lay-off doesn't materilaise or that, if it does, you find something quickly. So many people I know are getting caught up in the downturn. I wish the best to everyone - myself included as our firm's not escaped the global financial crisis either.

Well, I do have a face to face interview in Northern Virginia (about 3 1/2 hours away) either on Friday or on Monday (it's definitely gonna happen, just waiting on the date/time confirmation)... apparently I'm the leading candidate for a biometrics engineer position up there. If I have to, I'll take the position (it's better than being unemployed), but I'd MUCH rather stay here. If I have to go up there, then I'll have to stay up there during the week and come back down here on weekends and days off... that would mean I'd have to maintain 2 residences - one up there for during the week, one down here for my permanent address. THAT would suck...